Thousands enjoy Lord Mayor's Show

Thousands of people have lined the streets of central London to watch floats, carriages, performers - and Jessica Ennis - in the Lord Mayor's Show.

PUBLISHED: 05:43, Sat, Nov 10, 2012

Alderman Roger Gifford the new Lord Mayor of the City of London takes part in the Lord Mayor's Show [PA]

The annual parade marked the inauguration of the 685th Lord Mayor of the City of London, Alderman Roger Gifford, who was carried through the capital in a golden coach.

Joining him was Olympic gold medallist Ennis, who had the pleasure of sitting in a Jaguar F-Type sports car. The car took the athlete along the three-and-a-half-mile route, which passes around Bank and Aldwych.

Before the parade started, Mr Gifford arrived in the City on the royal barge Gloriana as it made its third official outing this year following the Jubilee pageant and Olympic Torch Relay.

This year's event showcased the talents of 6,500 people, 18 vintage cars, a tank and a steamroller, among others.

It was expected to attract crowds of around half a million people - but one thing was missing this year. In a split from tradition, there was no after-show fireworks, with organisers believing 2012 has brought with it enough fireworks.

They said: "After the wonderful Diamond Jubilee and Olympic celebrations this summer, it was felt that there are only so many fireworks we should be sending up in one year. It has been agreed that the display will not take place this year."

The golden coach that carried Mr Gifford in the show broke down as it made its return journey, resulting in him having to organise an alternative lift home.

A spokesman for the City of London Corporation said: "The 250-year-old coach broke down on the return journey from the Royal Courts of Justice to Mansion House. The new Lord Mayor who took office yesterday, and this was his first outing, was taken safely home to Mansion House where he now lives for the year by the Pageant Master Dominic Reid."

He added: "It's the most heavily used 18th-century carriage in the world."